The mechanical parts of the retractable umbrellas will be made of steel

3Gatti’s Francesco Gatti was inspired by the hot summer months in Shanghai, when just about everyone carries colorful parasols. He decided to spin this common shading system in a way that would be compatible with the pavilion’s existing infrastructure. Like the bamboo louvers that were previously wrapped around a 1.5 meter wide terrace, the umbrellas can be adjusted to provide light as needed.

The retractable mechanical parts will be made of steel, while the parasols and the intermediate panels will be made of a very thin weathered Corten steel that will hopefully last a bit longer than the bamboo. When the umbrellas are open the building with be flushed with daylight and well-ventilated, and when the umbrellas are completely shut they will block excess solar gain.